WHY is it that, in this country, it takes so long to bring about change despite faults being evident to all?

The "double jeopardy" rule under which someone cannot be tried twice for the same offence is a case in point.

I cannot believe anyone seriously believes that a killer should escape justice just because crucial information only comes to light after a trial has taken place. But the promised law change seems to be taking an eternity to come about.

I can just about accept that, in this case, delay is inevitable because, in closing a loophole, you must ensure other breaches of justice do not emerge.

But, in the case of Cleveland Police, I fear the delay in sorting out the force was due to the establishment closing ranks. The cost has been a dispirited force and a badly let down public.

At last the truth has emerged in the shape of Her Majesty's Inspectorate's Report into Cleveland Police. It can be seen via the Home Office Internet site.

The report reveals a previous hierachy lacking in leadership qualities who effectively became so obsessed with Operation Lancet that the standard of day to day policing was, in the words of the HMI, "not acceptable".

My concern is that, as long as five years ago, newspapers like The Northern Echo were shouting from the rooftops that desperate action was needed. I well recall The Northern Echo's front page stating "Enough is enough" and demanding Home Office intervention.

Only now, with the failed regime gone and new HMI Ken Williams appointed, is real action being taken to ensure the hard pressed public get a police service they deserve.

It is left to the new Chief Constable Sean Price to take the criticism on the chin - even though it was no fault of his - and pick up the pieces.

I've been very impressed by the approach of the new Chief Constable and his deputy, Ron Hogg, in putting the needs of the public first. I'm confident they can turn the force round and I urge everyone to support their efforts.

But it does concern me that two members of the previous, now discredited, regime abandoned ship before the truth came out and are now chief constables in other forces.

I do hope that someone in authority points out the error of their ways and makes it clear that what went on in Cleveland is unacceptable and must not be repeated.

The HMI correctly identifies that the problems of Cleveland came down to a small number of very senior officers and that's why I'm against the suggestion that the force should be disbanded and the patch taken over by one or more neighbouring forces.

Policing in this country is by consent and a crucial factor in that is local accountability. Creating a larger force, governed from Durham or Northallerton, does nothing to persuade the people of Teesside that the police are now focused on their needs.

This is another area in which Mr Williams's report into Cleveland seems to hit the nail on the head.

Ignoring convention, he has fired a broadside at the Cleveland Police Authority, demanding that it starts acting as a public watchdog rather than the Chief Constable's lapdog.

I am confident that Mr Williams will not be disappointed.